Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site Pasture to Pond

Hello fellow Pond Bossers,

I am considering digging a 30ish by 30ish area out in the bottom of our pasture. The intent being a wildlife watering hole/mosquito hatchery. I dug down with hopes of hitting the water table but broke my post hole digger. The soil is so compacted, I'm surprised it doesn't hold water now.

What do you think about digging out 3-5 feet and putting down a layer of clay for getting some water to retain.



Broken post hole digger.



I'd like to dig it out so that the shore follows the natural lay of the land including a gradual bank.





This picture didn't turn out like I had hoped but the potential pond site is 30-40 feet bellow the top of the hill from which this picture was taken.



Thoughts?

This is what I had in mind.

I take it you are wanting to make a swampy type area? That shallow I would think you will end up mostly with a weedy pond, which may be what you are looking for.

If you are, one suggestion I would make if watering wildlife is one main purpose, is to shift that deep area more to one side of the pond so there is some open water for them to drink. If you end up with thick weeds all the way around the open water, the only animals that might be able to get an easy drink might be alligators.

The other thing, if the water table is actually as high as you think it might be, you may not need to seal the pond with clay if water is coming up from the bottom.

Remember, if you have a high weed population along with a shallow BOW, it likely will dry out quickly during a drought. What you are wanting some of us had or have from a pond that is 40-50 years old and silted in. Most of us try to get rid of that situation rather than create it, but your goals may be different than most, and that is ok too.

Most of NW Florida the water table is pretty close to the ground surface. That means less head pressure and less energy to get water. You could look into a Well using green energy to run. Either a wind mill or solar powered well are 2 that come to mind. It Would help make sure you have some water for that hole.

Thanks guys. I am trying to make a marshy/wetland area but that's a good thought about making it deep on one edge to keep vegetation at bay. I was hoping to hit the water table while digging but my tool broke after about 3 feet.

Did I read correctly... You want a mosquito hatchery? Mind me asking why?

I was kidding. I'd put some gambusia in there at a minimum.

Well. I'm the proud owner of a 1985 Case 580SE backhoe. Construction should start this summer. Stand by.

The hoe ought to be perfect to make some deep holes along with under water islands. If it were me, I would make the bottom as rough and varied as possible, with a deep hole along one side for wildlife watering hole. Keep the banks safe though so if something falls in (including you) they can get back out.

Sounds like good ideas. I'm going to have to dig it out and put down a layer of clay. I'm not sure how that's going to limit my creativity on bathymetry.

I've never bought clay before. Is there a type that I need to specify to ensure good sealing?